Want to have an event with a small carbon footprint? Consider these 10 tips culled from TEDx events all over the world for advice on how to make your event a green success:

1. Encourage cycling, walking, using public transport or ride-sharing to the event. Consider partnering with a local bike shop, getting in contact with public transportation services or working with a car-share service to make this process easier for attendees and speakers. Set up a bike valet; post transit schedules on your website; organize a ride-share system.

Bike valet at TEDxSantaMonica

2. Use reusable containers for all food and drinks — including coffee and tea. Consider asking team members to bring cups or dishware from home for the big day, encourage attendees to bring their own mugs for hot beverages, or give out branded, reusable cups or mugs for use at the event and after.

Reusable mugs at TEDxKraków (Photo: Bartek Pawlik)

3. Provide water in pitchers or bulk coolers, rather than in plastic bottles. It’s easy and saves on a lot of waste.

4. Consider serving food family-style or in reusable bento boxes. This cuts down on waste, containers and encourages interaction and creativity.

5. Recycle, compost and educate. Learn about your local recycling programs and plan out the most convenient spots to place recycling bins, composting information, and containers for regular waste in your venue. Have volunteers ready to explain the different types of recycling and what items of waste go where.

Recycling at TEDxCanberra

6. Borrow stage design materials, equipment, furniture and venue decor. Consider partnering with a local theater company, school, electronics store, furniture or copy shop to help cut down on your number of newly-purchased items.

7. Limit your use of paper. If possible, make newsletters electronic; let name badges double as programs; use electronic registration and ticketing; and make use of double-sided printing when using paper.

8. Consolidate and combine. Try to procure event supplies, A/V equipment and other resources from as few places as possible and/or try to combine drop-off and pick-up of as many different items as possible.

9. Make use of the outdoors for breaks and other activities. When outside, you can cut down on energy use and experience the world outside a typical TEDx venue.

TEDxConcordiaUPortland attendees eat lunch outside

10. Donate leftover materials to other local TEDx events. Share advice and a red rug. Get in touch with other TEDx’ers on the TEDx Hub.

About TEDx Innovations

TEDx Innovations is a blog celebrating creativity and innovation in TEDx communities around the globe. From design to tech to social activities, the TEDx Innovations blog highlights the best of the best worldwide.
To learn more about TEDx, visit www.ted.com/tedx